TikToker Betyimar Pérez (@betyimarperez) has gone viral after sharing in an extensive video what no one told her about life in New York. In her "story time," Betyimar recounts the "trauma" she has experienced when dealing with rats, a problem she claims is common on the streets and in homes throughout the city.
"I was running down the middle of the road at 9 PM, but it wasn't because I was being chased by a thief... it was because I was being chased by rats," Betyimar recounts, laughing and terrified, describing the rats as being the size of dogs. She shares how, in a recent episode, one of these rats tripped over her foot and, out of pure fright, she chose to run down the road. "I don't care if a car hits me; I'd rather be hit by a car than face a rat," she remarks.
Furthermore, Betyimar recounts how rats have made their way into her home, even into her kitchen, creating holes to devour her food: “They ate about four bananas of mine… I was set for the week.” She describes how these animals roam around restaurants, train stations, and the streets, especially at night, and how she has also had to deal with cockroaches and other pest problems. "They don’t tell you this on social media; behind the pretty pictures and Times Square, there are rats and cockroaches,” she asserts.
The story of Betyimar has sparked a wave of reactions from users who either relate to her experience or are astonished by the reality she describes. "They don't look like dogs; those are just rabid ones." "I'm suffering watching her rub her gloves on her face." "That's not a rat; it's a rabbit." "Nina, here in Miami it's the same; there are lots of rats and cockroaches. Solution: get yourself a cat," some comment. Another user also warns about the dangers of rats: "You have to be careful; rats transmit a disease called leptospirosis, and it's deadly."
Most followers reacted with a mix of amazement and humor, while some suggested solutions like adopting a cat or using boric acid to manage pests. One user confessed, “I’m really entertained here. Thank you for sharing your experiences and being genuine.” However, others were frightened by the account and stated they would not travel to New York after hearing it: “Friend, I’m not going even for a visit”; “I’ve lost my desire to go there, no thanks.”
Betyimar concludes the video by stating that, while she appreciates the opportunities provided by the United States, facing pests is a reality that no one warned her about before emigrating. Judging by the number of people who have viewed her video (more than 20,000 likes and hundreds of comments), it seems that her story has resonated with many others who also have to deal with these kinds of "realities" in their cities.
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